July 21, 2011
David Weaver
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
david.s.weaver@nasa.gov
RELEASE: 11-241
NASA ADMINISTRATOR COMMEMORATES FINAL SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING
WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden today issued this
statement about the final landing of the Space Shuttle Program:
"At today's final landing of the space shuttle, we had the rare
opportunity to witness history. We turned the page on a remarkable
era and began the next chapter in our nation's extraordinary story of
exploration.
The brave astronauts of STS-135 are emblematic of the shuttle program.
Skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds who propelled America
to continued leadership in space with the shuttle's many successes.
It is my great honor today to welcome them home.
I salute them and all of the men and women who have flown shuttle
missions since the very first launch on April 12, 1981.
The shuttle program brought our nation many firsts. Many proud
moments, some of which I was privileged to experience myself as a
shuttle commander. I was proud to be part of the shuttle program and
will carry those experiences with me for the rest of my life.
As we move forward, we stand on the shoulders of these astronauts and
the thousands of people who supported them on the ground – as well as
those who cheered their triumphs and mourned their tragedies.
This final shuttle flight marks the end of an era, but today, we
recommit ourselves to continuing human spaceflight and taking the
necessary-and difficult-steps to ensure America's leadership in human
spaceflight for years to come.
I want to send American astronauts where we've never been before by
focusing our resources on exploration and innovation, while
leveraging private sector support to take Americans to the
International Space Station in low Earth orbit.
With the bold path President Obama and Congress have set us on, we
will continue the grand tradition of exploration.
Children who dream of being astronauts today may not fly on the space
shuttle . . . but, one day, they may walk on Mars. The future belongs
to us. And just like those who came before us, we have an obligation
to set an ambitious course and take an inspired nation along for the
journey.
I'm ready to get on with the next big challenge.
The future is bright for human spaceflight and for NASA. American
ingenuity is alive and well. And it will fire up our economy and help
us win the future, but only if we dream big and imagine endless
possibilities. That future begins today."
-end-